Δελτίο Τύπου

Exagon Motors Furtive-eGT2013 Geneva International Motor Show

1. Furtive-eGT, the concept

Haute couture automobile / Haute couture for advanced performance

Define an object or a means of locomotion, describe an emotion or develop a vision, demonstrate power or show intensity: the Furtive-eGT encourages us to change the way we see prestige sports cars. Today, the parameters have changed. The prophetic power of electricity takes us into a new automotive era –a bold new approach able to ally haute couture with advanced performance, respect for the environment with sporting prowess, extreme elegance with materials from the aerospace industry.

With this four-seater Grand Tourer, Exagon Motors is redefining the French approach to prestige vehicles. Underneath the carbon bodywork is an electric drivetrain. The Furtive-eGT was born of the ambition of Luc Marchetti, Chairman of Exagon Motors, to create an exceptional electric sports car combining the best of the firm’s experience in electric motor sports (Electric Andros Trophy) with cutting-edge contemporary technologies.

Original technologies and leading partners

The Furtive-eGT is now available for order, with delivery scheduled for the end of the year. It combines an impressive sum of human expertise with technologies never before seen in cars. It is an innovator in all areas, from its latest-generation Siemens motors and Saft battery to its carbon body, running gear developed with Michelin, three-speed gearbox with seamless torque delivery, acoustics by Focal and man/machine multimedia interface. The Furtive-eGT embodies a unique blend of expertise. No comparisons can be made with the existing market offering. This fact is reflected in the exceptional level of customisation offered by Exagon Motors. Combining premium materials to harmonious effect, using carbon, aluminium shaped from a single block, and best-quality leather, the Furtive-eGT brings customers the satisfaction of owning a unique collectors’ item.

Launched at the Paris Motor Show in October 2012, the Furtive-eGT is a great success. Built at the Exagon Motors site in Magny Cours, the first vehicles will be delivered to their owners at the end of 2013. An executive concierge service will be available to all Furtive-eGT owners. This service, open 24/7, will offer specific services to owners, tailored to their tastes and requirements.

2. Siemens electric motors

The Furtive-eGT is driven by two latest-generation electric motors from Siemens Inside e-Car. Installed centrally on an aluminium cradle at the rear, and linked by the three-speed gearbox with seamless torque delivery, they drive the rear wheels of the Furtive-eGT (rear-wheel drive). From the driver’s standpoint, the two motors act as one even though the electronic controls allow them to operate separately. The two motors are liquid-cooled to maintain performance levels in all conditions of use.

These electric motors are among the most compact on the market, delivering an outstanding level of efficiency. They each develop 148 kW, or 402 bhp. Maximum power of between 5,000 and 10,000 rpm is available in one-tenth of a second, with constant torque of 516 N.m (258 N.m x 2) between 0 and 5,000 rpm.

These motors, developed specially by Siemens for the needs of the Furtive-eGT, each weigh 51 kg. Viewed against their individual rated power of 148 kW, this gives them energy density of 2.901 kW/kg, an excellent figure, with efficiency close to 98%. Two inverters, also developed specially for the Furtive-eGT, distribute electric power by converting the direct current from the Saft battery into alternating current. The inverters drive the motors in two modes, based on torque or engine speed, modifying amplitude and frequency as necessary. The “supervisor” control electronics were developed internally by Exagon.

Supercar performance

Accelerating from 0 to 100 kph in just 3.5 seconds, the Furtive-eGT ranks among the best Supercars on the market. The response time between pedal depression and the delivery of power is just one-tenth of a second. The Siemens motors use this power for a level of acceleration never before enjoyed by drivers. The top speed is limited electronically to 250 kph.

On deceleration, the magnetic field of the electric motors contributes to the car’s exceptional braking properties, with each motor acting as a generator to recharge the batteries and thus increase vehicle range. Together, the motor brakes and callipers developed for the Furtive-eGT by BERINGER develop up to 1.2 G during the braking phase, slashing stopping distances and making this one of the world’s best braking systems.

Maintenance and environmental protection

The Siemens Inside e-Car electric motors have few moving parts and deliver a level of reliability far beyond that of combustion engines. No upkeep is required before 150,000 kilometres, which makes them virtually maintenance free. They are silent by definition, emitting no carbon or NOx.

3. Saft battery

The Furtive-eGT is equipped with battery made by Saft, world leader in lithium-ion batteries with expertise dating back almost a century. Saft holds market share of 80% in the aerospace industry. It is also the leading manufacturer in the defence industry and in Formula 1, reflecting the quality and advanced technology of the components used, and the high safety standards in all circumstances. This latest-generation battery has a capacity of 53 kWh and weigh 450 kg overall.

With its Saft battery, the Furtive-eGT no doubt has a greater range in all-electric mode than any other high-performance electric vehicle:

Saft battery is highly recyclable. After 3,000 cycles, being used virtually every day over a period of ten years, it still has at least 80% of its energy capacity. Moreover, it has no memory effect.

Optional range extender

The Furtive-eGT ships with an optional range extender. This takes the form of a small combustion engine of low cubic capacity that recharges the battery when it reaches its range limits. It does not drive the wheels, it acts solely as a generator. Pollutant emissions are therefore very low, since it is optimised to run at constant speed. The range extender increases the overall range of the Furtive-eGT to 807 km with 25 l of fuel over a standard ECE15 cycle, or 734 km with 25l of fuel over a standard combined cycle.

4. Transmission system and gearbox

The Furtive-eGT features an exclusive three-speed gearbox with seamless torque delivery. Gear changing is smooth, with no loss of power.

On each gear change, one of the two motors continues to transmit power to the wheels. This process avoids any break in torque in order to maintain power at all times. Furthermore, the motors function continuously within their optimum range of power and efficiency, enabling the vehicle to take full advantage of their power and to increase energy efficiency.

Technology developed by Exagon Motors

The engineers of Exagon Motors developed this gearbox specially for an electric motor. It is therefore able to accommodate the instant torque delivery. Unlike other Supercars, fitted with sequential gearboxes, the Furtive-eGT runs no risk of the clutch breaking in the event of violent acceleration. It is designed for use without a clutch, either in manual mode with the steering-wheel mounted paddles or in automatic mode. For reverse gear, the rotational direction of the motors is inverted.

5. Carbon chassis/body

The monocoque body of the Furtive-eGT is made entirely of a carbon fibre/honeycomb structure based on Formula 1 technology. This exclusive feature is shared by very few of the world’s Supercars, since only seven other exceptional sports vehicles feature the same level of technical sophistication, and all are driven by combustion engines. The carbon body of the Furtive-eGT weighs just 124 kg overall. Torsional stiffness is exceptional, contributing to the lateral grip and neutral behaviour of the Furtive-eGT.

The body directly supports the front half-axles, optimising both weight and overall stiffness. At the rear, a cast aluminium structure carries the powertrain and rear half-axles.

A low centre of gravity for an exemplary ride

The carbon body was designed to house the battery in its structural floor. The battery position gives the car a low centre of gravity, around 110 mm lower than on a conventional Supercar, positioned centrally with respect to the wheels. This strategic battery layout ensures stable ride and handling. It also optimises comfort, significantly reducing roll on cornering, and limiting weight transfer – and thus pitch – on braking.

6. Running gear

The running gear of the Furtive-eGT was developed in partnership with Michelin, a group with globally recognised expertise. Over the past three years, engineers from Exagon Motors and Michelin have worked in close cooperation, carrying out extensive tests on the Michelin tracks in Ladoux, near Clermont-Ferrand. The result strikes the ideal balance between roadholding and comfort, reflecting the advanced performance of the Furtive-eGT and the specific constraints of electric drivetrains. Michelin’s expertise was combined with that of Exagon in developing running gear and designing motorsports vehicles.

Double wishbone suspension

The Furtive-eGT features double wishbone suspension at both front and rear. This is currently the best solution for optimising tyre operation and maintaining an ideal position on the road in all circumstances. The half-axles, made using the Cobapress process, manufactured by Saint Jean Industries, are mounted directly on the carbon body at the front and on an aluminium cradle at the rear. Given the immediate availability of electric power, the suspension and tyres had to be specially designed to accommodate a high level of torque with running gear of ideal characteristics. The suspension layout and damping control optimise vehicle behaviour without any sort of management system. Special emphasis was placed on making the suspension comfortable, particularly on bumpy roads, a feature that is not generally the case on cars delivering this level of performance.

Exclusive tyres and specially designed brakes

The Furtive-eGT is equipped with Michelin Pilot Super Sport, 245/35 ZR 20 tyres at the front and 305/30 ZR 20 at the rear. They were specially developed to accommodate the acceleration of electric motors. Rolling resistance was decreased and grip improved for even higher standards of energy efficiency. The brake callipers, which have six pistons at the front and four at the rear, were specially developed for the Furtive-eGT. The vented discs – 380 mm at the front and 360 mm at the rear – are made of steel and designed to optimise braking in all circumstances, with deceleration of 1.2 G.

7. A personalised driving experience

The Furtive-eGT is equally at ease in both day-to-day and sport driving. To meet a full range of driver requirements, depending on vehicle use, the engineers at Exagon Motors developed four operating modes for a personalised driving experience: Standard, Eco, City and Sport.

In Sport mode, the emphasis is squarely on performance and sport driving, with specific accelerator response, acceleration control and motor speed for gear changing.

In Standard mode the motors function normally, delivering full power and optimising motor speed for gear changing, to improve efficiency and focus on driveability.

In Eco mode, the power of the motors and peripheral electricity-consuming functions are limited in order to place greater emphasis on range and to make the Furtive-eGT easier to handle by an uninitiated driver.

In City mode, vehicle operation is optimised for low speeds, with the emphasis on smooth driving. The air in the cabin is recycled automatically to reduce the nuisance caused by exhaust gases from other vehicles.

An adaptive digital dashboard

Depending on the mode selected, the 12-inch digital display on the dashboard behind the steering wheel changes configuration to show pertinent information to the driver.

8. Design and aerodynamics

Although the Furtive-eGT is a sports car with an electric drivetrain, it is first and foremost a Supercar. A fact that is clearly visible in its taut, elegant design lines.

At the front end, the headlights of the Furtive-eGT use full-LED technology for all lighting and signalling functions. This makes for comfortable night driving as well as saving energy. At the same time, the miniature LEDs enabled designers at Exagon Motors to give the Furtive-eGT its piercing gaze.

At the rear, the boot line rises up from the wings to meet the double bubble and side wings. While the extractor is the visible part of the aerodynamic flat bottom design of the Furtive-eGT.

9. Infotainment & multimedia

The Furtive-eGT is equipped with a multimedia infotainment system developed in partnership with Nokia. It includes a 9-inch central capacitive touch screen with swipe and zoom functions. The system comes with a SIM card enabling a continuous dialogue with the manufacturer, particularly for technical self-diagnosis data, emergency calls or weather bulletins. It is also equipped with a USB connection, an auxiliary socket and the Bluetooth streaming function.

An exclusive partnership with Focal

For the acoustics of the Furtive-eGT, Exagon Motors opted for excellence by teaming up with Focal, France’s leading acoustic designer and manufacturer. Over more than 30 years, Focal has developed globally recognised expertise in the high-tech field of transducers. By working with the manufacturer of the world’s best audio loudspeakers, Exagon Motors is out to bring Furtive-eGT the quintessence of the Focal sound that is so appreciated by music-lovers.

Exclusive e-Motion Sound Concept

For the Furtive-eGT, Focal developed a system called eMSC or Exclusive e-Motion Sound Concept. This system uses exclusive technologies and rare materials, carefully crafted in the French workshops of Focal, for enhanced listening pleasure. But the science of onboard acoustics does not stop there. Layout and volumes have also been optimised. Nothing has been left to chance: positioning, vibration behaviour and volumes were carefully calculated to get the best out of the cabin of the Furtive-eGT. Two acoustic options are available for the Furtive-eGT, based on the best technology used by Focal for its flagship products.

• “Harmony”, the first level, features ten-channel acoustic architecture based on Kevlar membrane technology. With this option, Focal has developed a dynamic, steady, comfortable system that accompanies listeners whenever they want to step up the pace.

• “Quintessence”, the second level, will delight music-lovers. It uses exclusive technologies from the Utopia range to further optimise every aspect of the listening experience. The W membrane (glass/glass) restores the full impact and velocity of bass tones, while the famous tweeter made of Beryllium, a precious material perfectly suited to the needs of acousticians, achieves a high-precision treble for a result that will delight music lovers.

10. Customisation programme

The quest for technological excellence is associated with the idea of made-to-measure design that was widespread in the automotive industry of the 1930s. Luc Marchetti wanted to recreate this mindset, based on an approach that gave pre-war French vehicle manufacturers international renown. At the time, in the prestige vehicle industry, it was common for customers to order a chassis and engine from a leading manufacturer and then to have the bodywork and interior designed to measure by a renowned coachmaker. This approach led to the creation of real automotive treasures, unique vehicles that have since gained the status of works of art.

The ambition of the Furtive-eGT is to bring customers a degree of customisation rarely achieved to date. This is where the idea of automotive craftsmanship and jewel-making comes in. Luc Marchetti explains:

“France is recognised the world over for its virtuosity in high-end manufacturing. We have a unique age-old expertise, with both suppliers and craftsmen. Strangely, this inexhaustible pool of talent has never, or rarely, been tapped by the automotive industry. A fact that is no doubt linked to the specifics of volume production. The Furtive-eGT does away with these constraints, since our production is exclusive (planned at around one hundred vehicles per year) and each model will be assembled by hand. This means that for the first time, we can deliver truly exceptional made-to-measure design. Each customer can be sure of owning not just a unique vehicle but a real work of art created specially for him or her. Like an interior decorator who seeks to understand exactly what you want before bringing in the best craftsmen to decorate your home, Exagon Motors will study each customer’s requirements individually and submit new ideas, some of which may be penned by leading designers. The most important aspect is to create a long-term relationship of trust. The time devoted by the customer to the design of his or her Furtive-eGT should be an enjoyable, even magical, experience.”

11. Distribution, service, maintenance and warranty

Regional ambassadors will manage distribution of the Furtive-eGT and represent the Exagon brand.

The Furtive-eGT ships with a two-year warranty. This warranty may be extended to five years if all maintenance, top-ups and servicing are carried out exclusively by Exagon Motors. To this end, the brand is putting in place an exclusive automotive concierge service. This service will function on a 24/7 basis to satisfy the needs and requirements expressed.

Maintenance operations and upgrades (IT set-up, upgrades, braking, routine servicing) may be carried out directly at the customer’s home.